Thicker Than Water....

Chapter 9 - The Uninvited

As I wandered into the sitting room, Kula went to make us some tea. She offered to cook something for me, but I had no appetite.

Finally, the worst day of my life was over.  I felt utterly drained, for all it was just after one-thirty in the afternoon.  I slumped in the armchair and kicked off my shoes.  Kula came back with our tea.  "Drink up now Sienna.  It will help you unwind."  She sat in the opposite chair. " You look tired."

   "Just weary, I think," I replied. I took a sip of tea, then placed the mug on the side table next to my chair.  Kula started to hum a soothing tune.  I smiled.  How old had I been since last I heard a lullaby?

I must have drifted off at some point. Distantly, Kula's soft voice penetrated my hazy mind.  "Sienna.  It is time, little sista."

My eyes fluttered open.  The room temperature had dropped, dramatically.  The coldness seeped through my bones.  I sat upright and looked around at the windows to see if any were open.  As I scanned the room, the large clock above the fireplace chimed.   I was astounded to see it was now after seven.  "Oh my god! You shouldn't have let me sleep so......"  I turned towards the door. 

There, standing beside Kula, was Ian Carter.  What the hell.....? Baby Si was stunned. I, on the other hand was instantly raging.  I flew out of the chair towards the unwelcome guest.  He took a wary step backwards.  Kula held out a commanding hand towards me, halting me in my tracks.  I saw a satisfied smirk creep over Ian's face, before I turned to Kula.  "What the hell is going on here?" I demanded.

   "Don't you use dat tone to me.  You may be a Desired, but you will not address me in such a fashion."

I was completely bewildered, and still extremely angry.  "What are you talking about!  What is he doing here?" I pointed an accusing finger at the smug solicitor.  He stood just behind her, as if using her as a shield. 

   "He is here because he is my familiar."

I froze.  That voice!  I had only heard it once before, but there was no mistaking it.  This wasn't happening! It wasn't possible! 

Vittorio.

Yet there he was.  Leaning against the doorway to the sitting room. Oh! My! God! Baby Si drooled.  For the first time, I truly saw him, just as clearly as  I saw Kula and Ian.  Dear god!  He was real.  And absolutely gorgeous!  Tall, lithe and slender-hipped, wearing black, well-pressed trousers and a white shirt which hung open, revealing perfectly toned abs and pectorals.  His hair was ebony, brushing lightly against his collar in subtle waves.  Eyes, green as emeralds, held my gaze.  There was no malice, no threat in them.  Only...what?  Longing? Hunger? For me?

   "Close the blinds, Carter!" he suddenly ordered.  I watched, silently, as Ian Carter, pretentious, calculating peacock that he was, scurried to the windows and followed orders.  Then he returned to take his position behind Kula.   Only after all the windows were darkened, did Vittorio enter the room. 

He is the ultimate predator. A vampire....  Kula's words from our fight in Tarbet came flooding into my mind.  I finally found my voice again.  "Your... familiar ?" The olive-skinned god smiled.  No fangs, I noted.  Did that make the present situation any easier?  I thought, not!

   "Yes, " he replied, slowly approaching me.  "As is she," he indicated Kula with a graceful wave of his hand.  She glared.  The term had not pleased her.  "Easy, Priestess," he softly directed at her.  "You know I am only toying with you."  She accepted that.

   "Priestess?" I breathed.

He turned to me again.  "Ahh, but yes.  You must have many questions, Sienna.  Especially ones relating to your birth mother."

My knees faltered.  In an instant, he was next to me. His arms encircled round my waist, preventing me from the pending slump to the floor.  He was intoxicating! 

He was.........Oh crap! said Baby Si, before everything went black.